Nairobi: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks World Hypertension Day 2026 through a collaborative effort with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, alongside Ministries of Health and various medical societies. This initiative is highlighted by the Nationwide Diabetes and Hypertension Blue Points Program. According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized the foundation's commitment to enhancing access to quality care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Cardiovascular Preventive Care. The foundation, in partnership with global leaders and health ministries, has awarded nearly 1,000 scholarships to young healthcare providers from 52 countries. These scholarships offer One-Year Online PG Diplomas and Two-Year Online Masters Degrees in key medical areas, including Diabetes, Cardiovascular Preventive Care, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity Weight Management, as well as One-Year Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clin ical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs. A unique aspect of these scholarships is their focus on supporting doctors from all regions within a country, thus broadening the scope of healthcare capacity and improving access to essential care nationwide. To date, Merck Foundation has distributed over 2,600 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries, targeting 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Dr. Hazel W. Kariuki, a Merck Foundation alumnus from Kenya, shared her transformative experience with the scholarship, which significantly enhanced her clinical expertise in cardiovascular and diabetes care. This opportunity has empowered her to improve patient management and contribute effectively to healthcare services in her community. The World Health Organization reports that the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, affecting approximately 27% of adults. In response, Merck Foundation, in collaboration with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, has launched children's storybooks, "Marks Pressure" and "Sugar Free Jude," to raise awareness about hypertension and diabetes. These books aim to educate families on adopting healthier lifestyles to prevent related complications. Merck Foundation has also developed animation films from the storybooks, targeting children and youth to inculcate healthy habits such as reducing salt and sugar intake, regular exercise, balanced meals, and avoiding smoking. Dr. Kelej highlighted that these small changes today can lead to a healthier tomorrow. Furthermore, the foundation's pan-African TV program, "Our Africa," conceptualized and hosted by Dr. Kelej, features episodes dedicated to raising awareness about hypertension, diabetes, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This program airs on national and prime TV stations across many African countries and is available on various social media platforms. Additionally, Merck Foundation, together with African First Ladies, annually launches awards for media, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and new talents to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension. The submission deadline for these awards is set for October 30, 2026, and entries can be submitted via email.
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